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Brexit at a Pivotal Moment

Description: This report discusses the draft withdrawal agreement in the the United Kingdom's (UK's) expected withdrawal from the European Union (EU), known as Brexit. It also summarizes issues for the U.S. Congress to consider in regard to Brexit.
Date: November 28, 2018
Creator: Mix, Derek E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Iran Sanctions

Description: This report discusses U.S. sanctions against Iran and the 2016 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement which led to the lifting of sanctions based on nuclear proliferation in Iran. It outlines the various sanctions against Iran and their current implementation status, international efforts to bring about compliance, and their effects; it also addresses recent discussions regarding President's Trump announcement that the U.S. was decertifying the nuclear agreement and the po… more
Date: November 28, 2018
Creator: Katzman, Kenneth
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The "National Security Exception" and the World Trade Organization

Description: This report examines the meaning of the national security exception in Article XXI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)--a provision also implicated in a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between Russia and Ukraine; a blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates; and a few other disputes.
Date: November 28, 2018
Creator: Murrill, Brandon J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.S. Sanctions on Russia

Description: This report provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. sanctions against Russia. It provides an overview of U.S. sanctions authorities and tools; describes various sanctions regimes that have been used and entities or that are available for this purpose, addressing authorities, tools, targets, and historical context; briefly discusses countersanctions by Russia; addresses the evolution of U.S. coordination with the European Union; and assesses the economic impact of sanctions on Russia at the l… more
Date: November 28, 2018
Creator: Welt, Cory; Archick, Kristin; Nelson, Rebecca M. & Rennack, Dianne E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.S. Tariff Policy: Overview

Description: This report provides a brief overview of United States tariff policy. A tariff is a customs duty levied on imported and exported goods and services, typically used to protect domestic industries or as leverage in trade negotiations and disputes.
Date: November 28, 2018
Creator: Casey, Christopher A.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Former Speakers of the House: Office Allowances, Franking Privileges, and Staff Assistance

Description: This report discusses the allowance former Speakers of the House of Representatives were provided upon their departure. This allowance began in 1970 and was repealed with the passage of the legislative branch appropriations act for FY2019, P.L. 115-244.
Date: September 28, 2018
Creator: Egar, William T.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Global Trade Imbalances

Description: This report discusses the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) July 2018 report on global trade imbalances that identifies countries with "excessive" current account balances and exchange rates that are "misaligned." The current account is a broad measure of a country's global economic engagement and is comprised of trade in goods, services, and official flows.
Date: September 28, 2018
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The "Flores Settlement" and Alien Families Apprehended at the U.S. Border: Frequently Asked Questions

Description: This report answers frequently asked legal questions pertaining to the Flores Settlement and the settlement's impact on the detention of alien families apprehended at or near the U.S. border. In particular, the report addresses (1) background of the litigation, (2) how the Settlement restricts DHS's power to keep families in detention, (3) the relationship between the Ms. L. litigation and the Settlement, (4) the executive branch's policy options under the Settlement, and (5) the extent to whic… more
Date: August 28, 2018
Creator: Peck, Sarah Herman & Harrington, Ben
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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U.S. Trade Debates: Select Disputes and Actions

Description: This report discusses a number of significant trade disputes involving the United States over the past 100 years. It is a response to the 271 active trade disputes currently being addressed in the World Trade Organization (WTO) that involve the United States.
Date: August 28, 2018
Creator: Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province

Description: This report discusses the terrorist group Boko Haram, including the history of the group, leadership and group divisions, objectives and areas of operation, capabilities, and relationships with other terrorist groups.
Date: June 28, 2018
Creator: Blanchard, Lauren Ploch & Cavigelli, Katia T.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Justice Kennedy Retires: Initial Considerations for Congress

Description: This report discusses the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the Supreme Court. In so doing, this post provides a broad overview of key legal issues Congress (and, more specifically the Senate, through its advice and consent role) may wish to consider as it reflects on Justice Kennedy's jurisprudence and how his eventual successor might shape the future of the Court, Congress, and the nation as a whole.
Date: June 28, 2018
Creator: Nolan, Andrew & Garcia, Michael John
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Permitting for Pesticide Discharges into Navigable Waters: Issues and Legislation in the 115th Congress

Description: This report discusses the pesticide general permit (PGP), which is required for discharges of biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue in navigable waters. Possible actions from the 115th Congress are also discussed.
Date: June 28, 2018
Creator: Gatz, Laura & Yen, Jerry H.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Trade Deficits and U.S. Trade Policy

Description: This report examines the components of the U.S. trade deficit in terms of the merchandise trade account and the broader current account. It also assesses the relationship between the trade deficit and U.S. free trade agreements, perceived unfair treatment in trading relationships, the trade deficit and U.S. rates of unemployment, and the impact of tariffs on the U.S. trade deficit, as well as raises issues for potential congressional consideration.
Date: June 28, 2018
Creator: Jackson, James K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Blockchain: Background and Policy Issues

Description: This report explains the technologies which underpin blockchain digital financial ledgers, how blockchain works, potential applications for blockchain, concerns with it, and potential considerations for Congress.
Date: February 28, 2018
Creator: Jaikaran, Chris
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Education-Related Regulatory Flexibilities, Waivers, and Federal Assistance in Response to Disasters and National Emergencies

Description: This report is intended to inform Congress of existing statutory and regulatory provisions that may aid in responding to future disasters and national emergencies that may affect the provision of or access to education and highlight the actions of previous Congresses to provide additional recovery assistance. This report reflects the most recently available guidance, as of the date of publication, related to education-related disaster response and flexibilities. It will be updated should new or… more
Date: February 28, 2018
Creator: Granovskiy, Boris & Hegji, Alexandra
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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The Social Security Retirement Age

Description: This report discusses the social security retirement age and the differences in monthly benefits received by individuals taking social security early or after full retirement age (FRA). Increases in the retirement age and various proposals related to changes in the timing of benefits is also discussed.
Date: February 28, 2018
Creator: Nuschler, Dawn
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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State Minimum Wages: An Overview

Description: This report begins with a brief discussion of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum wage coverage. It then provides a summary of state minimum wage laws, followed by an examination of rates and mechanisms of adjustments in states with minimum wage levels above the FLSA rate (Table 1 provides summary data). Next, the report discusses the interaction of federal and state minimum wages over time, and finally, the Appendix provides detailed information on the major components of minimum wage poli… more
Date: February 28, 2018
Creator: Bradley, David H.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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CRS Products on North Korea

Description: This report provides a listing of CRS reports related to North Korea, organized by broad topical categories. It also includes contact information for CRS experts on various aspects of North Korea.
Date: December 28, 2017
Creator: Manyin, Mark E.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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Direct Overt U.S. Appropriations for and Military Reimbursements to Pakistan, Fiscal Year 2002-Fiscal Year 2018

Description: This report provides a table of data outlining direct overt U.S. aid appropriations and military reimbursements to Pakistan including number for fiscal years 2002-2011 (combined), fiscal years 2012-2016 (individually), an estimate for 2017, and the requested amount for 2018.
Date: November 28, 2017
Creator: Kronstadt, K. Alan & Epstein, Susan
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
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